Potential Difference of Electrons and Balmer Series

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the potential difference required to accelerate electrons in order to emit the first line of the Balmer series from hydrogen. The subject area includes concepts from atomic physics and quantum mechanics, particularly focusing on electron transitions and energy levels in hydrogen atoms.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between the kinetic energy of accelerated electrons and the energy levels of hydrogen. Questions arise about the initial steps needed to approach the problem and the relevant formulas for energy levels and transitions.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with some participants seeking further clarification on the concepts involved. There is an attempt to connect the potential difference to the energy transitions in the hydrogen atom, but no consensus or resolution has been reached yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the need for specific formulas related to the energy levels of hydrogen and the Balmer series, indicating that foundational knowledge may be assumed or lacking in the discussion.

CollectiveRocker
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A beam of electrons bombards a sample of hydrogen. Through what potential difference must the electrons have been accelerated if the first line of the Balmer series is to be emitted? How does this even begin?
 
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CollectiveRocker said:
A beam of electrons bombards a sample of hydrogen. Through what potential difference must the electrons have been accelerated if the first line of the Balmer series is to be emitted? How does this even begin?

The electron collides with the hydrogen atom and kicks one electron out to a higher level, supposed it has enough kinetic energy, equal to or higher than the difference of energy between those electron levels.

The electron gains kinetic energy equal to eU by flying through a potential difference U.

The spectrum lines of Balmer series correspond to transition onto the second level (n=2) The first of them is from n=3 to n=2.

Find the formula for the energy levels of hydrogen atom. Combine these all together and you get the answer. :smile:

ehild
 
Please explain more.
 
CollectiveRocker said:
Please explain more.

I would but I can not write a book here. What is what you know? You certainly have a textbook. What does it write about the energy levels of Hydrogen atom, about spectrum lines and about the Balmer series in the emission spectrum of Hydrogen?

ehild
 

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